The 1-minute scalping strategy is one of the fastest ways to trade the markets, offering multiple opportunities to capture small price movements throughout the day. It demands quick thinking, precision, and strict risk management but can deliver consistent profits when executed properly.

In this article, we explain how the 1-minute scalping strategy works and how to apply it effectively across different markets.

What is 1-Minute Scalping?

Scalping on the 1-minute chart involves:

• Making multiple trades per session.
• Capturing very small price movements (5–10 pips or a few points).
• Holding trades for a few minutes at most.

It is best suited to highly liquid and volatile markets like forex majors, stock indices, and popular commodities.

Why the 1-Minute Scalping Strategy Works

• Frequent Opportunities: Many quick setups per session.
• Small Risk Per Trade: Tight stop-losses and quick exits.
• Capitalises on Micro Trends: Focuses on short bursts of momentum.

How to Set Up for 1-Minute Scalping

Here’s how to prepare:

1. Use a 1-minute timeframe.
2. Add fast-moving indicators:
   • 9 EMA (Exponential Moving Average) for short-term trend.
   • 21 EMA for medium-term trend.
   • Volume Indicator to confirm momentum.

Optional: Add RSI (7-period) for extra confirmation of overbought or oversold conditions.

How to Trade the 1-Minute Scalping Strategy

Here’s a structured approach:

1. Entry Strategy

• Buy Setup:
  • 9 EMA crosses above the 21 EMA (bullish trend).
  • Price pulls back to the 9 EMA but stays above the 21 EMA.
  • Enter long on a bullish candle close near the 9 EMA.
• Sell Setup:
  • 9 EMA crosses below the 21 EMA (bearish trend).
  • Price pulls back to the 9 EMA but stays below the 21 EMA.
  • Enter short on a bearish candle close near the 9 EMA.

Confirmation Tip: Strong entries happen when volume is high and EMAs are clearly separated.

2. Stop-loss Placement

• For long trades, place your stop-loss a few pips below the 21 EMA or the recent minor swing low.
• For short trades, place your stop-loss a few pips above the 21 EMA or the recent minor swing high.

Keeping stops tight is crucial to minimise losses.

3. Profit Target

• Aim for small, quick profits: 5–10 pips in forex or 2–5 points in indices.
• Alternatively, use a trailing stop once in profit to capture a bigger move if momentum is strong.

Exiting quickly helps secure profits before the market reverses.

4. Risk Management

• Risk only 0.5% of your account per trade.
• Accept that not every trade will be a winner — consistency and discipline are key.

Best Practices for 1-Minute Scalping

• Trade During High-Activity Hours: Focus on London and New York sessions.
• Use Low Spread Brokers: Tight spreads are critical for 1-minute scalping profitability.
• Be Selective: Only take high-probability setups with clear EMA alignment and volume confirmation.

Momentum Burst Scalping

Another technique within the 1-minute strategy:

• Wait for tight price consolidation.
• Enter when a strong breakout candle forms with high volume.
• Ride the move quickly for a small profit before the move slows.

Momentum bursts on the 1-minute chart often lead to rapid profits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overtrading: Stick to the best setups. Quality beats quantity.
• Ignoring Volume: Strong moves need volume confirmation to be reliable.
• Chasing Late Moves: Enter early with confirmation or skip the trade.

Advantages of the 1-Minute Scalping Strategy

• Fast Results: Trades last only minutes.
• Frequent Setups: Many chances per trading session.
• Clear Visual Guidance: EMA crossovers and pullbacks are easy to spot.

Conclusion

The 1-minute scalping strategy provides traders with a fast-paced and exciting way to capture consistent small profits throughout the trading day. By following trend direction, using EMAs and volume confirmation, and applying disciplined risk management, traders can thrive in even the fastest markets.

To master fast-paced techniques like 1-minute scalping and build a professional trading approach, explore our expert Trading Courses designed to help you trade faster, smarter, and more successfully.